The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come will soon arrive to melt the frozen heart of that curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Join us, as Poly presents the Grades 7&8 play, Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic A Christmas Carol, as adapted for the stage and directed by Jill Bolstridge, on December 16 at 7 PM in the Richard Perry Theatre. Tickets available online.

Bah humbug!

What is it like to bring Mr. Scrooge to life? In his first show at Poly, Louis G. ’26 says, “I think that the most fun thing about Scrooge is the constant grumpiness and eventual change. It just feels so fun to be in the shoes of such a famous character!”

Louis explained, “I learned that I can play a character very well if I do research on them and study the way previous actors have acted the character.” He added, “I watched a few film adaptations like A Muppets Christmas Carol, A Christmas Carol (1984), and A Christmas Carol (1938). These all helped me form the Scrooge I play.”

“When the audience is watching us,” Louis said, “I want them to experience joy and amusement. I never want them to get bored and I want them to be invested.”

“I wear the chain I forged in life…”

For Rose F. ’27, who plays Jacob Marley, “The most challenging thing, but also the most fun part of playing my character is how I have to walk across the stage while dragging chains. It is hard to make it look realistic, but it is fun to try. I learned through this experience how important it is to have good timing. If you say your lines too fast and too soon, the audience can’t understand what you are saying, and if you go too slow it will drag the scene. You have to find the perfect balance.”

“Your welfare!”

Maggie C. ’26, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, said, “The hardest part about my role is finding her voice. I’m supposed to be this ghost that is warning Scrooge about how his past has had an effect on his future, but the Ghost of Christmas Past has a softer personality than the other ghosts. So, I can’t be too harsh, but I can’t be too sweet either.”

Although this is Maggie’s fourth Poly show, it is her first with a live audience. “Which is why I’ve learned so much about myself as an actress this year,” she said. “I’ve realized being on the stage with the whole cast is so much more fun than being virtual.”

“I hope the audience enjoys watching us,” Maggie added. “I enjoy the audience being there because for me the show is not half as much fun without an audience!”

“A merry Christmas to us all…”

Jesse R. ’27 is enjoying playing Bob Cratchit “because he is such a kind man. All he wants to do is make others happy and always looks at the positives in life.” Jesse added,  “I learned that building a story and personality for your character makes your performance many times more interesting.”

As Ms Cratchit, Lauren P. ’27 found the character “a fun role because of the various emotions. There is a scene where my character becomes very angry and one where she is crying. Playing this character helped me expand my acting skills and I really hope the audience will enjoy it.”

In his first play at Poly, Julian M. ’27, who plays both Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, and a Christmas caroler, said that the most challenging part was “memorizing all of the blocking and the lines. My dad and mom helped me memorize lines.” For his part as a caroler, Julian said, “I learned that I really enjoy singing and want to do it more.”

In the roles of Fezziwig and the butcher, Michael M. ’26 found, “The most challenging thing about my roles is matching the Christmas spirit that these roles have. The most fun thing is that both of these characters have so much joy and are so kindhearted it’s crazy.” He added, “I learned that acting isn’t that hard. All you have to do is react the right way.”

“I hope the audience enjoys the show as much as the cast loves performing it,” Michael said.

Tickets are available online—free for students and $5 for adults.

Families are asked to register to attend “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 7 PM. Tickets are free for students and $5 for adults.

View the program.

Please note the following policy for in-person visits to our campuses:

• Poly Prep’s campuses are accessible for fully vaccinated individuals aged 12+. As of 1/3/2022, this will extend to fully vaccinated individuals 5+.
• Visitors experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including mild symptoms such as congestion should stay home.
• All visitors must show proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination can be a NYS Excelsior Pass, a CDC vaccination card or NYC’s COVID SAFE app.
• All visitors must show a photo ID.
• Unvaccinated children (under 5 years old) may accompany their vaccinated parents.
• Masks must be worn at all times indoors.
• Parents/guardians accompanied by unvaccinated children are responsible for ensuring that unvaccinated children maintain social distance (> 3 feet) from others while on campus.